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"Finally," she said "A good night’s rest!"

While they talked, I lit the lanterns The cold season’s nights arrived fast, dropping a curtain of darkness with little warning When I passed ic I paused and stood behind the not to be obvious, I rested my hands on the backs of their chairs The hairs on ician , but I couldn’t be sure I now understood Valek’s frustration

Not wanting to upset Tama, I kept quiet as Nic and Eve left to take up position outside her office door

"Make sure you introduce them to Faith," Tama said "She’s the only person I allow in my private suite I keep Council business andin the Hall…" She wrapped her ar to stare out the

I wondered if she looked at her flickering refection or the blackness of the night My ie stood beside her, but it didn’t waver Odd

She turned to ?"

"At the Second Chance Inn"

"You can live in the assistant’s apartment on the ninth floor once Dari leaves"

"I’d rather not"

She tried to hide her disappointment

I rushed to explain "Eventually, we’ll find you a permanent assistant And I should be out there--" I pointed to the"--listening to the tavern gossip, getting a feel for the citizens’ moods and complaints for you If I stayed here, I’d never leave and we’d miss the opportunity to connect with the townspeople"

"That’s ser and more confident While I’ician will…"

"No ician will hurt you The man itched your soul with Akako was a Warper He used blood ic And the Warpers who kno to use it are all locked up in your prison The ed, then nodded

"Was he sent by Master Bloodgood?" I asked

"Yes Bain assigned every Councila null shield around them for protection"

"And Bain would only send a trustworthy person You’re a Councilor One of only eleven and all critical to Sitia Your safety is of the utmost importance"

"Really?" Taician or Councilor--the same people I’ve known and worked with for years None of them even questioned Akako when she attended Council sessions in my stolen body When she voted on policy and laws Not one!"